Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Quiz · Position fixing
You have time for only two bearings. Which pair of landmarks gives the most reliable fix?
A chart, north at the top, with a yacht in the water and four charted landmarks on the coast, each joined to the yacht by a dashed line. A and B are close together to the north-west, about 12 degrees apart as seen from the yacht. C and D are close together to the north-east, also about 12 degrees apart. From the yacht, A bears about 300 degrees, B about 312, C about 030 and D about 042.
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A and C: the bearings cross at about a right angle. Two position lines fix you best when they cross at close to 90°. When they cross at a fine angle, a degree or two of error in either bearing moves the crossing point a long way. With three bearings, aim for about 60° between them.
